Mood: happy
Topic: Places to go
Last night was the October meeting at Butler University for the Hoosier Herpetological Society. It was a great meeting, the speaker this month was Tom Biebighauser, wildlife biologist from Morehead KY. He gave a wonderful PowerPoint presentation about the history of wetlands in the US and had many examples of natural and manmade wetlands. He author of a book called "a guide to Creating Vernal Ponds", and spoke about how easy it is to create a wetland, ususally for less than $1000. I was surprised at how inexpensive a wetland can be built for, and it lasts forever. If you are interested in creating a wetland, his book is full of helpful tips and information. Let me know, I have a copy, and I can get you the contact info so you can get your own. The wildlife and plants that come to these created wetlands are just phenomenal. It amazes me at how "If you build it, they will come". How in the world do they find these wetlands, itsnjust great that they do. Many that they build are on school properties and are used for education and research. If one is built in a residential area, it can raise property value 30-40%! He explained that if done correctly, mosquitos won't be a problem if it is healthy. One thing he warned about, if you use a liner, make sure it is an aquatic safe liner. Many are treated with pesticides and fugicides that will kill amphibians. He was a terrific speaker with a most important topic. I look forward to volunteer with some wetland restoration projects this next year.
We also talked about the Midwest Herpetological Symposium coming up very soon, November 3-5. Things are looking great! We already have nearly 100 registered. There are some terrific items for the auction, the speaker line up is unbelievably good, admission to the Indy Reptile Expo and the Indianapolis Zoo (with behind the scene tour of the Desert Biome), and just added is admission to the Indiana State Museum. The Symposium discount rate for the Westin Hotel has also been extended.